Tag Archives: early recording

For purveyors of audio transfers of dubious quality from wax cylinders (and photos of wonderful moustaches) here is Joaquím Malats playing “Serenata Española”, beloved of guitarists. It’s really only interesting for its tempo and energy and is from the aforementioned CD “The Catalan Piano Tradition”.
Besides, it is always instructive to hear composers playing their own music.Large crackle warning ahead!

Years ago I had an LP of Granados playing his own music, which I seem to have “mislaid” so I was overjoyed when I found a CD with recordings of Albeniz, Malats and Granados amongst others, and, unlike the supposed recording of Tarrega in the last post, these are pretty well verified. If you play any of the music of these composers at all, it is well worth picking up.It is called “The Catalan Piano Tradition” and reissued on VAI 1001.
On this CD are several recordings of Granados playing his own music transferred from 78s which he made around 1912. The playing is fresh and virtuosic in a restrained kind of way, giving a good insight into Granados’ style.
Lately, I came across this, which was actually recorded on a piano roll and transferred to a Steinway using Welter Vorsetze in 1962-63.
I found the phrasing and interpretation, despite some suspect notes, a bit of a revelation, and I hope you will too.

Interestingly enough, there is also a video of Evangelos Assimakopoulos (of the duo Evangelos and Liza)playing the same piece on the guitar, with a similar phrasing.

Came across this, purporting to be a wax cylinder recording of Tarrega, complete with some kind of commentary. Thanks to Jorge Orozco for putting this on Youtube.
Fascinating, and instructive … if genuine.